Wigan Warriors to do battle with Saints for Smith signature

Wigan are weighing up an audacious swoop for Salford’s Matty Smith and Castleford’s Rangi Chase.

Wigan are weighing up an audacious swoop for Salford’s Matty Smith and Castleford’s Rangi Chase.

The Warriors have joined the scramble for Smith’s signature and will match any offer made to him by arch rivals St Helens.

Coach Nathan Brown, who takes charge of Saints next season, has already identified Smith as a potential target, but now faces stern competition from Wigan.

Wigan’s interest in Chase follows reports that the current Super League Man of Steel is among a number of players who are wanting out of Castleford at the end of the season.

Wigan are monitoring the situation with them needing a replacement for Kiwi star Thomas Lewluai, who will return to the NRL in Australia next season.

The future of Warriors’ Aussie half-back Brett Finch is also uncertain.

Salford scrum-half Smith and Chase could pair up at half-back, though Wigan face a fight for the Salford man as Widnes Vikings have also offered him an enticing three-year deal worth up to £140,000.

A new offer from Salford to keep him at Barton remains on the table, but it now seems increasingly likely Smith will quit the Reds at the end of the season.

Salford coach Phil Veivers has admitted he’s concerned as he faces up to the fact he could also lose in-form centre Sean Gleeson to Hull KR and Bradford Bulls are tipped to target Reds winger Danny Williams. Luke Patten: Salford Reds over the Blue Moon

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